Lacing System for Shoes and Shoe Manufactured with Said Lacing System

ABSTRACT

A lacing system for footwear ( 1 ) is disclosed, comprising one or more shoelaces ( 2, 3; 16 ). Each edge of the upper ( 12 ) carries two gripping points, one ( 7 ( 2 ),  7 ( 3 );  17 ) fastened to said edge of the upper and apt to obtain the opening of the shoe ( 1 ) and one ( 6 ( 2 ),  6 ( 3 )) fastened to the opposite edge of said upper ( 12 ) and apt to obtain the closing of the footwear ( 1 ).

The present invention relates to a lacing system for shoes and a shoe manufactured with said lacing system.

The most widespread system which guarantees footwear tightness onto the foot employs shoe laces which, passing—usually forming a crossing through a number of eyelets (holes) practised in the edges of the upper, allow, if loosened, to slip the shoes off one's feet and, if tightened, to tighten the shoe, allowing walking under safe and comfortable conditions and without losing the shoe. Hence, making a knot, the shoe laces are locked in the desired tension state. Commonly shoe laces are made of a thin leather lace or of a stretchable or non-stretchable textile-fibre tape, ending with a plastic or metal reinforced area called “aglet” which serves to prevent fraying and to ease the introduction of the shoe lace into the eyelets. The most common shoe lace path is called “crossed” where both ends of a shoe lace pass from one eyelet to the opposite upper one. The knots by which shoe laces can be locked are varisous; among the most practised ones the classic (bow) knot or the double knot. Finally, it is highlighted that, in order to loosen lacing it is necessary to undo the knot and to pull the edges towards the shoe outside, into an opposite direction one with respect to the other. The traditional lacing with laces with knot exhibits apparent critical points: mainly the labour-intensiveness, the little practicality in performing the knot (which is difficult not only for children and elderly people) during the lacing operations, which operations, furthermore very different from those necessary for loosening the shoe; another critical point is the short durability (ease and resulting frequency of knot loosening, even when that is not desirable), with the risks related to any damages for whoever, walking, treads on the lace and falls.

Currently, other lacing systems are common on the market which have not solved the drawbacks listed above. Among these, the system which provides an assembly of distinct segments of elastic lace which are stretched between the two opposite eyelets for guaranteeing the necessary tension to constrain the foot to the shoe (ULACE™). It is highlighted that such system, by removing the classic knot, removes the drawbacks related thereto; however, by acting exclusively through the elasticity of the lace segments, it is not capable of accomplishing a stable tightening of the shoe to the foot; as a matter of fact, the shoe may be taken off and slipped on without acting on the lacing. Moreover, a lacing system is present on the market which provides to lock the end of the strings in the inner part of each shoe edge in correspondence of the last eyelet, with a pair of plastic plates (LACE ANCHORS™) where the lace is made to go through until locking it; such system, removing the classic knot, removes the drawbacks related thereto, however, it does not allow to accomplish a stable tightening of the shoe to the foot; as a matter of fact, in this case, too, the shoe may be taken off and put on, without acting on the lacing. Other systems, present on the market, force first to join the lace ends, then to insert them in a device provided with piston and spring (one hand holds the piston and the other pulls the lace ends), which, once released, locks lace sliding, finally the lace ends are gathered and anchored above the lacing (LOCK LACES™, YANKZ™), or around the foot neck (TAC LACE™). Such systems removing the classic knot, remove the drawbacks related thereto, however, the operations to perform to accomplish the tightening and the opening are not immediate and are instead rather difficult, maybe even more than the traditional bow: as a matter of fact, for the tightening it is necessary to apply, at the two ends of the joined laces, a remarkable force, equal to about twice the standard force necessary for tightening the single lace in conventional lacing (a difficult task not only for children and elderly people). Moreover, the tightening which is determined is not fully effective: as a matter of fact, assuming that each lace end puts in tension about half of the lacing path and assuming that it is likely that the paths are loosened differently, it is apparent that, by acting on the joined ends of the laces, hence supplying the same force to both ends, it is not possible to stretch both paths effectively, as would instead be if the force are applied simultaneously on both the individual ends. Following the search carried out among the lacing systems present on the market, it appears that there is none which allows, through a simple and immediate action, an effective and secure tightening for tightening the shoe to the foot and, through the same simple action, also an effective loosening of the shoe tightening.

US 2008/0 016 661 relates to a structure for adjusting the tension in a shoe lacing, comprising a lace and a series of fastening hooks. The lace carries on the surface thereof a plurality of openings for the engagement with the fastening hooks. It is provided to adjust the lace tension and to fasten the lace itself, suitably inserting the hooks into the holes found in the lace. In this system, however, the hooks serve only to maintain the tension on lace sections, but not to close the shoe, which occurs, in a conventional manner, by tying the lace ends with the classic bow.

WO2004/075 676 discloses a shoe lace apt not to loosen despite the movements and the stresses it undergoes. The laces have on the surface thereof a series of holes, arranged at regular intervals. The lace tips, generally made rigid, are of such a size to be able to be slid into the holes, creating an X-shaped tying, which does not come undone upon the inevitable foot movements. However, such a lacing system is complicated to untie and not always reliable in maintaining the desired tension status; moreover, there is no indication that the same movement may open and close the laces.

GB 2 334 661 discloses a locking system of a lace, consisting of two cams which engage with the lace. In order to increase the locking effect, the laces may be grooved to engage with teeth found on the cams.

DE 228 601 discloses a shoe closing system, comprising gripping elements for each lace end, which may be removably fastened to the upper. By joining such gripping elements to the upper, shoe lacing is obtained, by removing it, shoe loosening is obtained.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,381,949 discloses an eyelet for shoelaces, which comprises a rubber element fastened to the opening portion of a shoe and which comprises a head on the rubber element, having a lace-receiving opening which extends crosswise and substantially parallel to the joining edge of the opening. There is no mention to the opportunity of obtaining shoe opening and closing by the same movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,434,723 discloses eyelets having a lateral locking displacement on one side, arranged between the edge of the closing flap of a shoe and the other side of the eyelet. The displacement is a sort of pin arranged on a single point of the eyelet. It may receive and lock a lace against the movement, after having adjusted the lace tension. Neither here is any mention made to a single movement for opening and closing the shoe.

US2011/107619 discloses an external ring assembly of an eyelet, with a base element and with external rings of various shapes, sizes, ornaments and which may be detached from the base. Means are provided apt to fastened to the base or to the rings. These means protrude partly or entirely from the eyelet holes. Each ring may contain grooved layouts for the insertion of locking elements. Neither in this case is any mention made to the opportunity of opening and closing the shoe with a single movement.

GB 2 413 356 discloses a device for locking a lace in a shoe, comprising a body with an entry opening for communicating with a channel and with an outlet. The lace is inserted in the entry opening and runs through the channel, until the outlet. Lace-gripping and lace-locking means are provided, such means being fastened to the upper after the exit from the channel.

The object of the present invention is the accomplishment of a footwear lacing system, which allows, through a same simple and immediate action, both an effective, fast and secure tightening for tightening the shoe to the foot, and an effective and fast loosening of the tightening. In particular, the present invention allows to accomplish the tightening and the opening of a shoe performing in both cases the same movement, that is an outward pulling. It is highlighted how performing the same simple action to tighten and to loosen the shoe represents an important advantage and a great usefulness, not only for children and elderly people, in wearing or taking off shoes, even though for these users the present invention is particularly important. The object of the present invention is achieved, through a shoe lacing system, characterised in that on each edge of the upper there are present two mutually intersecting gripping points, one fastened to said edge of the upper and apt to obtain the opening of the shoe and one fastened to the opposite edge of said upper and apt to obtain the closing of the shoe.

The lacing system object of the present invention may be used in all types of footwear (shoes, boots, etc.), and in principle it may be a lacing method also for many other garments (coats, jackets, etc.). The present invention refers also to footwear manufactured with said lacing system as described above.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the following description, taken together with the attached drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments thereof purely as an example referring to the non-limiting exemplifying case of men's footwear, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B-1C are front schematic views of footwear according to a first embodiment of the lacing system subject of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B-2C-2D are top plan views of a shoelace for a lacing system according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B-3C represent a device to be applied in an embodiment of the lacing system according to the present invention which allows to lock and unlock the shoelace-upper or shoelace-shoelace sliding;

FIGS. 4A-4B-4C-4D-4E represent a first variant of the first embodiment of the lacing system subject of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B-5C-5D-5E represent a second variant of the first embodiment of the lacing system subject of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B-6C represent a third variant of the first embodiment of the lacing system subject of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7B-7C schematically show a fourth variant of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B represent a fifth variant of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9B-9C are front schematic views of footwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10B-10C-10D-10E are cross-section views of a device fastened to the upper and apt to engage with geometric coupling the shoelace end, based on the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11B-11C are views similar to those of FIG. 10A-10B-10C-10D-10E, but which represent a variant;

FIGS. 12A-12B-12C represent a variant of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows another variant of the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 shows a further variant of the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 1A-1C a shoe 1 is shown, in a schematic front view, provided with shoelaces, according to the present invention. The ends 6(2), 7(2) and 6(3), 7(3) of shoelaces 2, 3 are highlighted. FIG. 1A shows shoe 1 in a worn condition, in FIG. 1B shoe 1 is represented during the loosening step and in FIG. 10 shoe 1 is shown during the lacing up step.

In FIGS. 2A-2D shoelaces 2 and 3 are shown, which are used in the lacing system subject of the present invention and which define the lacing system subject of the present invention. Shoelaces 2 are characterised by the presence, within the same, of at least one hole 4 and of at least one slit (in FIGS. 2A-2D two, 5 and 5A, are respectively shown), which allow (5A) to enter the body of the shoelace to fasten it to the upper and thereby accomplish the lacing system subject of the present invention or (5) to enter another shoelace there. The at least one hole 4 is employed to apply a fastening device of the shoelace closing, useful to lock and unlock the state of stretching of the shoelaces and the at least one slit 5A, 5 are used to allow the introduction in the same of an end of the shoelace and of the other shoelace, respectively. The shoelace 2 and 3 employed in the lacing system subject of the present invention may be made of any material, it may be of any shape, any size, any length.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B shoelace 2 and shoelace 3 are shown which have an end 6, commonly called head and an opposite end 7, normally called tail. Holes 4 and slits 5, 5A may be made in any location within shoelace 2 and may be of any shape and size. At end 7 any knot may be made, or any other object may be anchored which distinguishes it and/or which makes gripping thereof easier.

In FIG. 2C a possible variant of shoelace 2 is shown, characterised by two equal ends 6. Taken an axis A by the centreline thereof, both parts are mirror-like with respect to the axis.

In FIG. 2D a variant of string 2 is shown. As can be seen, the area around slit 5 is of a square shape, while the area around slit 5A is circular. This particular layout allows to achieve greater ease for the user and allows better intersection of shoelaces 2, 3.

In the cases shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, holes 4 and slits 5, 5A may be practised in any location within shoelace 2 and may be of any shape and size.

In FIG. 3A a device 8 is shown which allows to lock and unlock the tension state of shoelace 2 or 3, acting on the sliding between shoelace 2 and shoelace 3, or acting on the sliding between shoelace 2 and upper. Device 8 consists of a base 9 (apt to fasten the device on a shoelace 2 or 3 or on the upper of shoe 1), of a stem 10 and of a head 11, whereon the same shoelace 2 (or 3) will anchor itself, or another distinct shoelace 3 (or 2) through chosen hole 4. Base 9 allows the fastening of the device on the desired support, stem 10 is preferably of a cylindrical shape, head 11 is simply a thickening of stem 10 which allows to prevent the coming out from hole 4 of the shoelace once it has been inserted therein. Device 8 may be made of any material and be of any shape and size. Preferably, device 8 is made of a metal material.

FIG. 3B shows the application of device 8 in case one wants to lock the shoelace-upper sliding; therefore device 8 is steadily anchored on the upper, thus referred to by number 12.

FIG. 3C shows the same case of FIG. 3B, but in a subsequent locking step.

In the case instead in which one wanted to lock the shoelace 2-shoelace 3 sliding, device 8 will be steadily anchored on a shoelace 2 or 3 (instead of on upper 12) and stem 10 with head 11 will lock the other shoelace 3 or 2 in the correspondence of an existing hole 4.

In FIGS. 4A-4E a variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is represented. Footwear 1 is provided with sole, upper 12 and eyelets 13 (these are usually reinforced with simple metal rings); eyelets 13 may be of any shape (circular, square, rectangular, triangular, irregular, etc.) and any size, provided it is compatible with shoelace 2 or 3. Reference is made first to the axonometry reported in FIG. 4A of footwear 1 which has at least one pair of eyelets 13, one of the left edge of upper 12 and one on the right edge of upper 12; in the axonometry the graphic section surface of footwear 1 is shown, arranged in correspondence of eyelets 13, made with viewing direction from the neck to the tip of the footwear.

In FIG. 4B the graphic section of footwear 1 is shown.

In FIG. 4C through the section of footwear 1, the way of implementing the lacing system subject of the present invention employing shoelaces 2, 3 and device 8 is shown.

FIG. 4D shoes the operation of device 8, steadily anchored in shoelace 2 in the correspondence of the hole and of another device 8, steadily anchored in shoelace 3, in the correspondence of the hole.

In FIG. 4E the layout obtained at the end of the lacing performed in the preceding figures is represented: the sliding between both shoelaces 2, 3 and upper 12 is prevented and hence the tension activated on such shoelaces following the stretching action is maintained.

A lacing system for footwear 1 is hence obtained wherein the closing of said footwear 1 is obtained by causing one end 6 of each shoelace 2, 3 to pass first through an eyelet 13 present on said upper 12 and through a slit 5A present on the same shoelace 2, 3 and sending the other end thereof 7 to the opposite side and wherein said gripping points on said edges of upper 12 are the ends 7(2), 6(3); 7(3), 6(2) of said shoelaces 2, 3. Preferably, each of said shoelaces 2, 3 has a second slit 5, apt to be run through by the end 6(2), 6(3) of another shoelace 3, 2, while the ends 6(2), 6(3) enter the first slits 5A of shoelaces 3, 2.

In FIG. 5A-5B-5C-5D-5E a second variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is represented, applied to footwear 1. In this variant, footwear 1, in addition to eyelets 13, has a second pair of eyelets 14, side by side to eyelets 13.

In the axonometry reported in FIG. 5, the graphic section surface of footwear 1 is indicated, arranged in correspondence of eyelets 13, 14, performed with a viewing direction from the neck to the tip of the footwear.

In FIG. 5B the graphic section of generic footwear 1 is reported.

In FIG. 5C, through the section of footwear 1, the way of implementation of the lacing system subject of the present invention employing shoelaces 2, 3 subject of the present invention and employing device 8 subject of the present invention is represented.

FIG. 5D shows the operation of device 8, steadily anchored to the end 6 of shoelace 2 and the presence of another device 8, steadily anchored to the end 6 of shoelace 3.

On the position of device 8 there are many variants available to the person skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the present invention. As a matter of fact in FIG. 5E a possible variant of the position of device 8 is reported, anchored perpendicularly to the individual shoelace, specifically, in shoelace 2, in the correspondence of the bow and in shoelace 3 in the correspondence of the hole; hence the operation is similar to what has been described in FIG. 5D. Fastening device 8 may be fastened on each edge of upper 12 and be apt to engage with a hole 4 present on the body of shoelace 2, 3 or it may be fastened on at least one shoelace 2, 3 and apt to engage with at least one hole 4, 31, present on at least one shoelace 2, 3 or on upper 12 to lock the sliding between shoelaces 2, 3 and upper 12.

In FIG. 6A-6C a third variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is represented, which is applied onto footwear 1, which has three pairs of eyelets, 13, 14, 15. In the axonometry reported in FIG. 6A the graphic section surface of footwear 1 is indicated, arranged in the correspondence of eyelets 13, made with viewing direction from the neck to the tip of the footwear.

In FIG. 6B the graphic section of footwear 1 is reported.

In FIG. 6C, through the section of footwear 1, the implementation of the lacing system subject of the present invention employing shoelaces 2, 3 subject of the present invention, with the addition of a third shoelace 16 and employing at least a device 8 is represented.

In FIGS. 7A-7C a further variant of the first embodiment of the present invention is schematically represented, which makes up a facilitated mode thereof and which may be combined with any one of the variants described so far. Equal details to the ones represented above bears equal reference numbers. Shoelaces 2 and 3 pass through the eyelets 13 present on upper 12 and through slits contained in themselves. The devices to engage with geometric coupling the ends of shoelaces 2, 3 are represented by numbers 28 (device inside, closer to the attachment of the shoelace on the upper) and 29 (device outside, further away from the attachment of the shoelace on the upper). In FIGS. 7A-7C two pairs of devices 28, 29 are represented. The two devices 28 are fastened to one (the upper one in the drawings) of shoelaces 2, 3, while the other shoelace 3, 2, lying below in the drawings, is free to slide within it. On the contrary, device 29 is fastened to shoelace 3, 2, represented as lying below in the drawings, which in the corresponding device 28 is not fastened, leaving shoelace 2, 3 free to slide within itself, represented as lying above in the drawings, which is instead fastened to corresponding device 28.

In FIGS. 8A-8B a fifth variant of the first embodiment is represented, wherein the ends of shoelaces 2, 3 carry a knurled area 30 to engage pawl-like within devices 28, 29.

In FIGS. 9A-9C a second embodiment of the present invention is represented, with schematic front views. For details equal to the ones illustrated in connection with the previous figures, equal reference numbers will be used.

In FIG. 9A a schematic front view of generic footwear 1 is represented, which is provided with shoelaces 2 and with devices 17 fastened to the footwear upper. Each device 17 has a channel for the passing of an end 6 of shoelace 2 and is apt to geometrically couple with shoelace 2 after introduction. FIG. 9A represents footwear 1 in the worn-on condition.

FIG. 9B is a representation similar to FIG. 9A, during the loosening step of shoelaces 2.

FIG. 9C is a view similar to that of FIGS. 9A and 9B, but during the lacing up step of shoelaces 2.

In FIGS. 10A-10E some variants of embodiments of device 17 according to the embodiment of footwear 1 seen in FIGS. 9A-9C are represented; FIG. 10A shows a front view thereof, FIG. 10B shows a lateral view and FIG. 10C shows a section thereof.

Device 17 consists of an element 18 and of an element 19. Elements 18 and 19 may be of any shape, but are preferably tubular elements. Preferably, they are made of metal (for example, of aluminium or alloys thereof, of steel) or of a plastic material which exhibits the necessary rigidity and mechanical strength features. Device 17 comprises also an element 20 and an element 21. Elements 20 and 21 are preferably of a circular crown shape and serve to anchor device 17 to the upper 12 of footwear 1, in the correspondence of a hole practised intendedly or even in the correspondence of an existing eyelet.

According to the present invention, element 18 and element 19 are apt to be run through by shoelace 2 (see in that respe ct FIG. 10C). For such purpose, elements 18 and 19 are open at the bottom and at the top.

On the end of element 18 opposite to the upper of footwear 1, gripping elements 22 can be provided. The shape of such gripping element 22 is not constraining for the purposes of the invention; however, it is suitable that it does not hinder (or hinders as little as possible) the passing of shoelace 2 which runs through element 18.

An element 23, preferably having the shape of a disc equipped with a peripheral groove, steadily fastened to element 21 may also be provided. Element 23 centrally has a through-hole 24 (see FIG. 100), aligned with elements 19 and 18, which allows the entry of shoelace 2 and the passing thereof into element 19 and then into element 18. Element 23, wherever present, has the function of deviating the path of shoelace 2. With element 23 a ring 25 may also be associated, fastened to the surface of element 21, which serves to guide shoelace 2, without hindering the access thereof to element 19. Advantageously, element 18 has at least one toothed groove 26 and one hole 27 (see FIG. 10B); possibly, hole 27 is threaded. Hole 27 allows the insertion of a screw or of a spring piston. Other means apt to ease the gripping of shoelace 2 within elements 18, 19 are equally usable.

In FIGS. 10D and 10E the mounting of device 17 on upper 12 is represented.

In FIGS. 11A-11C a variant of device 17 is schematically shown.

In FIGS. 12A-12C a variant of the second embodiment is schematically shown. The case is similar and corresponding to the one illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C. Even in this case, three pairs of eyelets 13, 14, 15 are provided on the upper of footwear 1. Sole shoelace 2 is provided, which is retained in devices 17, illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E and 11A-C.

In FIGS. 13 and 14 two subvariants of the variant reported in FIGS. 12A-12C are shown. In FIG. 13 the ring 25 carried by device 17 is visible, while in FIG. 14 device 17 carries instead an element 23 which, in turn, has a through-hole 24.

In the following the operation of the lacing system according to the present invention is going to be described.

In FIG. 1B the same footwear 1 as in FIG. 1A is shown by phantom lines, whereon the operation of the lacing system subject of the present invention is shown. Shoelaces 2, 3 are released from devices 8, so the sliding of shoelaces 2, 3 is released, hence it is proceeded to loosen the lacing through a simple action, that is, pulling the ends 7(2) and 7(3) of said shoelaces 2, 3, simultaneously and in the opposite direction, towards the outside of footwear 1. This movement spreads apart the edges of upper 12, so as to obtain the opening of footwear 1. Such figure represents footwear 1 in the “not worn” step, that is, with the lacing system loosened, so as to allow the foot exit.

In FIG. 1C the same footwear 1 as in FIG. 1B is shown by phantom lines, on which the operation of the lacing system subject of the present invention is shown; it is proceeded to tighten the lacing of the generic footwear 1, through a simple action, that is, pulling the ends 6(2) and 6(3) of said shoelaces 2, 3, simultaneously and in the opposite direction, towards the outside of the footwear, thereby moving mutually closer the edges of upper 12. Hence the holes 4 of the two shoelaces are led to house devices 8, so that it becomes possible to lock the desired tension state of the shoelaces. FIG. 1C refers to the “worn” step, identical to FIG. 1A. Stem 10 and, especially, head 11 can lock shoelace 2 (or 3) in the correspondence of chosen hole 4. Thereby, shoelaces 2, 3 are constrained securely and one does not risk that they become loose during walking when wearing footwear 1.

In FIG. 3C the application of device 8 is shown in case one wants to lock the shoelace-upper sliding, with the occurred locking of the sliding of shoelace 2 with respect to upper 12 highlighted.

In FIG. 4C the path to be followed by shoelaces 2 and 3 is described. On the left edge of the footwear, the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 is first caused to pass from the footwear inside towards the outside into the eyelet 13, hence into the slit 5A of shoelace 2. Such operation firmly locks shoelace 2 to the left edge of upper 12. Hence on the right edge, the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 is first caused to pass from the footwear inside towards the outside into eyelet 13, hence into the slit 5A of shoelace 3. Such operation firmly locks shoelace 3 to the right edge of upper 12. At this point the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 can be made to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 3, or the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 can be made to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 2. The case is considered of the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 being hence made to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 3; hence the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 is inserted into the slit 5A of shoelace 3 and the end 6(3) is inserted into the slit 5A of shoelace 2. The shoelaces in the layout subject of the present invention allow to loosen or tighten the lacing; as a matter of fact, to mutually move apart the left and right edges (and hence to loosen the lacing of the shoe to wear it or to take it off) the following simple action is performed: the end 7(2) of shoelace 2 and the end 7(3) of shoelace 3 are simultaneously pulled outwards. In order to move the left and right edges mutually closer (and hence to tighten the shoe lacing) the following simple action is performed: the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 and the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 are simultaneously pulled outwards. Once the left and right edges have been moved closer as described above, in order to guarantee the tension on, the shoelaces and hence to avoid the loosening of the lacing, the lacing system subject of the present patent provides the presence of device 8.

In this respect, in FIG. 4D it can be seen that a hole 4 (FIG. 2) arranged at the end 6(2) of shoelace 2, closer to the position of underlying device 8, is anchored thereon. Even a hole 4 arranged at the end 6(3) of shoelace 3, closer to the position of underlying device 8 is anchored thereon.

The path to be followed by shoelaces 2 and 3, according to the variant illustrated in FIG. 5C is now going to be described. On a first edge, the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 is first caused to pass from the footwear outside towards the inside into eyelet 13, hence into eyelet 14 (from the inside to the outside), hence into the slit 5A of shoelace 2 and then again into eyelet 13 (from the outside to the inside). Such operation firmly locks shoelace 2 on the left edge. Hence on the other edge, the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 is first caused to pass from the footwear outside to the inside into eyelet 13 hence into eyelet 14 (from the inside to the outside), hence into the slit 5A of shoelace 3 and then again into eyelet 13 (from the outside to the inside). Such operation firmly locks shoelace 3 on the right edge. At this stage the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 can be made to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 3, or the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 can be made to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 2. The case is considered in which the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 is hence caused to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 3; hence the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 is inserted into the slit 5A of shoelace 3 and the end 6(3) is inserted into the slit 5A of shoelace 2.

The shoelaces in the layout subject of the present invention allow to loosen or tighten the lacing; as a matter of fact, in order to mutually move away the left and right edge (and hence to loosen the shoe lacing to wear it or to remove it) the following simple operation is performed: the end 7(2) of shoelace 2 and the end 7(3) of shoelace 3 are simultaneously pulled outwards.

In order to move the left and right edges closer (and hence to tighten the lacing of the shoe) the following simple operation is performed: the end 6(2) of shoelace 2 and the end 6(3) of shoelace 3 are simultaneously pulled outwards. Once the left and right edge have been moved closer as described above, in order to guarantee the tension on the shoelaces and hence to avoid the loosening of the lacing, the lacing system subject of the present patent provides the presence of device 8. As can be seen in FIG. 5D, at this stage end 6(2) is caused to rotate until device 8 enters the holes 4 of shoelace 2 and of shoelace 3 which must be mutually overlapping, and end 6(3) is also made to rotate until it enters device 8 into the holes 4 of shoelace 3 and of shoelace 2 which must be mutually overlapping. In such layout the sliding between shoelace 2 and shoelace 3 is prevented and hence the tension activated on such shoelaces following the pulling action exerted is maintained.

Device 8 can be inserted into hole 31 arranged on upper 12, in order to prevent the sliding between shoelaces 2, 3 and upper 12.

The path to be followed by shoelaces 2, 3 and 16 is now going to be described, with reference to FIG. 6C.

On the left edge, the end of shoelace 3 is first caused to pass from the shoe inside towards the outside into eyelet of either one of the two edges and then the head of shoelace 3 is caused to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 3. Such operation firmly locks shoelace 3 to the edge, for example to the left one. On the other edge, the end of shoelace 16 is first caused to pass from the shoe inside towards the outside in eyelet 13 and then the head of shoelace 16 is caused to pass through the slit 5 of shoelace 16. Such operation firmly locks shoelace 16 to the edge, for example to the right one. Shoelace 2 is hence used, the end of which is caused to pass through the eyelet 15 of a first edge, hence through the eyelet 14 of the opposite edge, hence through the eyelet 13 of the first edge and then through the slit 5A of shoelace 3 and 5A of shoelace 16, while the other end is cause to pass through the eyelet 15 of the edge opposite to the first one, hence through the eyelet 14 of the first edge, hence through the eyelet 13 of the edge opposite to the first one and then through the slit 5A of shoelace 16 and 5A of shoelace 3.

The shoelaces in the layout subject of the present invention allow to loosen or tighten the lacing; as a matter of fact, in order to mutually move away the left and right edge (and hence to loosen the lacing of the shoe to wear it or to remove it) the following simple action is performed: the end of shoelace 3 and the end of shoelace 16 are simultaneously pulled outwards.

In order to move closer the left and right edges (and hence to tighten the shoe lacing) the following simple action is performed: the two ends of shoelace 2 are simultaneously pulled outwards. Once the left and right edges have moved closer as described above, in order to guarantee the tension on the shoelaces and hence to avoid the loosening of the lacing, the lacing system subject of the present patent provides the presence of device 8.

In the same FIG. 6C the operation of device 8 is shown, firmly anchored on the upper in the right edge and the presence of another device 8 firmly anchored on the upper in the left edge is provided. At this stage the hole 4 arranged at the end of shoelace 2, closer to the position of the underlying device is anchored thereon and also the hole 4 arranged at the other end of the same shoelace 2, closer to the position of the underlying device is anchored thereon. In such layout the sliding between shoelaces 3 and 2 and between shoelaces 16 and 2 is prevented and hence the tension activated on such shoelaces following the pulling action imparted is maintained.

As regards the variant shown in FIG. 7A-7C, when one wants to proceed to tie up the shoelaces, the two devices 29 are pulled outwards, pulling outwards the lower part of shoelace 2, 3, hence pin 8 is inserted into a hole 4 found on the lower shoelaces and the closing of footwear 1 is thus fastened.

When one wants to reopen the shoe, for example to remove it, shoelaces 2, 3 are lifted from pin 8 and devices 28 are pulled outwards. Thereby the two edges of the upper are spread apart and shoe opening is achieved.

Thereby, the sliding in the same direction of two different, adjacent devices (28 and 29) implies two mutually opposite actions (opening and closing of shoe 1).

Advantageously, devices 28, 29 can be differentiated, for example by manufacturing device 28 in one colour and device 29 in another colour.

The variant shown in FIGS. 8A-8B has a similar operation to the one illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, but the locking, instead of due to devices 8, which are absent in this variant, is accomplished through a ratchet gear which is activated between the knurled areas 30 of the end surfaces of shoelaces 2, 3 and devices 28.

Device 28 has an inner flap which allows the sliding of the lower shoelace towards the outside of shoe 1 and not in the opposite direction. Hence, pulling outwards device 29, the lower shoelace runs freely within device 28; when the action terminates and the shoelace tends to go back, device 28 locks it. In order to open shoe 1 it is hence necessary to act on device 28, unlocking the flap, so as to allow device 28 to slide outwards, allowing the sliding of lower shoelace 2, 3.

In FIG. 8B, in order to ease the sliding of the shoelaces, they are cut immediately after device 28, in order not to allow the entry into device 29, so as to avoid the risk of jamming or of forming slits above the upper 12 of shoe 1.

Now the operation in connection with the second embodiment is going to be described, an operation very similar to the one seen for the first embodiment and for the variants thereof. Reference is made to FIG. 9B. Acting on the ends of devices 17, first the unlocking of the sliding of shoelace 2 contained therein is obtained and by pulling such devices 17 outwards, the loosening of shoe 1 and hence the opening thereof is achieved.

In FIG. 9C the opposite operation is shown. The Opposite ends of shoelace 2 are pulled outwards, hence causing them to slide within devices 17 until the desired tension and hence the locking occurs acting on devices 17.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-10E. Elements 19, 20 and 21 allow the anchoring of device 17 to upper 12. Elements 18, 19, 20 and 21 may be run through by shoelace 2. Shoelace 2 is introduced through element 19, then through element 18 and is retained in position by suitable means, which may be, for example, a bottleneck or a screw or a spring piston to be inserted into hole 27. The screw pressure, in this case, will determine the locking of shoelace 2 at the desired tension level and the removal thereof will determine the release of shoelace 2. Thereby, the shoelace is firmly maintained in position, despite the walking of whoever wears shoe 1.

In FIGS. 10D-10E the mounting of device 17 is shown. Element 18, 19, 21, 23 is inserted onto the hole 31 of the edge of upper 12 and is locked by circular element 20.

In FIGS. 11A-11C the operation of toothed groove 26 is shown, which serves to retain shoelace 2 in position, at the desired tension.

The operation of device 17 and of some components thereof is visible particularly clearly in FIGS. 12A-12C and in FIGS. 13 and 14. In particular and with reference to FIG. 12C, shoelace 2 passes through eyelets 13, 14 and 15 intertwining. It then enters device 17, coming out from the top thereof and is locked therein. When one wishes to close shoe 1, the ends of shoelace 2 are pulled outwards, then locking it by the suitable means provided in the same device 17. When one wishes to open shoe 1, one first acts by releasing the ends of shoelace 2, hence pulling gripping elements 22 outwards.

The same operation is obtained with the variant represented in FIG. 13. This figure allows to see the operation of ring 25 fastened to device 17 in guiding shoelace 2 within opposite device 17.

In FIG. 14, instead, the function of element 23 with hole 24 through which each end of shoelace 2 enters the corresponding device 17 can be seen.

It is apparent that many are the variants available to the person skilled in the field, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, based on what has been described, it is pointed out that the present invention has all the features necessary to be considered an industrial application; the present invention finds out a product exhibiting economic interest susceptible of wide distribution, which can be obtained through an activity of raw material processing, semi-finished, to the finished product.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Footwear -   2 Shoelace (of 1) -   3 Shoelace (of 1) -   4 Hole (of 2 or 3) -   5 Slit (of 2 or 3) -   5A Slit (of 2 or 3) -   6 End (of 2 or 3) -   6(2) End (of 2) -   6(3) End (of 3) -   7 End (of 2 or 3) -   7(2) End (of 2) -   7(3) End (of 3) -   8 Locking device (of 2 or of 3) -   9 Base (of 8) -   10 Stem (of 8) -   11 Head (of 8) -   12 Upper -   13 Eyelet (of 1) -   14 Eyelet (of 1) -   15 Eyelet (of 1) -   16 Shoelace (of 1) -   17 Device (of 1) -   18 Tubular element (of 17) -   19 Tubular element (of 19) -   20 Circular element (of 17) -   21 Circular element (of 17) -   22 Gripping element (of 17) -   23 Disc element (of 17) -   24 Hole (of 23) -   25 Ring (of 23) -   26 Toothed groove (of 18) -   27 Hole (of 26) -   28 Opening device (of 2 or 3) -   29 Closing device (of 2 or 3) -   30 Knurled area (of 2 or 3) -   31 Hole (of 12) 

1) Lacing system for footwear (1), characterised in that on each edge of the upper (12) two mutually intersecting gripping points are present, one (7(2), 7(3); 17) fastened to said upper edge and apt to obtain the opening of the footwear (1) and one (6(2), 6(3)) fastened to the opposite edge of said upper (12) and apt to obtain the closing of the footwear (1). 2) Lacing system for footwear (1), as in claim 1), characterised in that the closing of said footwear (1) is obtained by causing one end (6) of each shoelace (2,3) to pass first through one eyelet (13) present on said upper (12) and through a slit (5A) present on the same shoelace (2, 3) and sending the other end (7) of the shoelace (2, 3) to the opposite side and in that said gripping points on said edges of the upper (12) are the ends (7(2), 6(3); 7(3), 6(2)) of said shoelaces (2, 3). 3) Lacing system for footwear (1) as in claim 2), characterised in that at least one shoelace (2; 3) has a second slit (5), apt to be run through by the end (6(3); 6(2)) of another shoelace (3; 2), hence the ends (6(2), 6(3)) run through the slits (5A) of the shoelaces (3, 2). 4) Lacing system as in claim 2), characterised in that it furthermore comprises at least one fastening device (8), fastened on each edge of the upper (12) and apt to engage with a hole (4) present on the body of the shoelace (2, 3) to lock the sliding between shoelaces (2, 3) and upper (12). 5) Lacing system for footwear (1) as in claim 2), characterised in that it furthermore comprises a fastening device (8), fastened on at least one shoelace (2, 3) and apt to engage with a hole (4, 31), present on at least one shoelace (2, 3) or on the upper (12) to lock the sliding between shoelaces (2, 3) and upper (12). 6) Lacing system as in claim 2), characterised in that one end of said shoelace caused to run through an eyelet (13) is caused to pass also through a second eyelet (14), present on the same edge of the upper and adjacent thereto. 7) Lacing system as in 1), characterised in that the end of one shoelace (3) is caused to pass from the inside to the outside in the eyelet (13) of either one of the two edges and then the head of the shoelace (3) is caused to pass through the slit (5) of the shoelace (3), on the other edge, the end of another shoelace (16) is first caused to pass from the inside to the outside in the eyelet (13) and then the shoelace head is made to pass (16) through the slit (5) of the same shoelace (16), hence a third shoelace (2) is used, one end of which is caused to pass through an eyelet (15) of a first edge, hence through another eyelet (14) of the opposite edge, hence through a third eyelet (13) of the first edge and then into the slit (5A) of the first shoelace (3) and into the slit (5A) of the second shoelace (16), while the other end is caused to pass through an eyelet (15) of the edge opposite to the first one, hence through another eyelet (14) of the first edge, hence through a third eyelet (13) of the edge opposite to the first one and then into the slit (5A) of the second shoelace (16) and through the slit (5A) of the first shoelace (3), the fastening of the tension of said shoelaces (2, 3, 16) occurring by means of a locking device (8), present on the upper (12) or on at least one of the shoelaces (2, 3, 16). 8) Lacing system as in claim 1), characterised in that said gripping points consist of two devices (28), which allow the passing of shoelaces 2, 3 each one fastened to an individual shoelace (2, 3), while the other shoelace (3, 2) is free to slide within said device, and of two devices (29) each one fastened to an individual shoelace (3, 2) left free by the other device (28) ad within which the shoelace (2, 3) fastened to the other device (28) is free to slide. 9) Lacing system as in claim 2), characterised in that one end of each one of said shoelaces carries a knurled area (30), apt to form a ratchet gear with at least one of said devices (28) to obtain the locking. 10) Lacing system as in claim 1), characterised in that said gripping points on each edge consist of a device (17) anchored on such edge, which has a channel (18, 19) for the passing of one end (6(2)) of the shoelace (2) anchored on the opposite edge and is apt to geometrically couple with the end of the shoelace (2) after the introduction, and of the ends (6(2)) of said shoelaces. 11) Lacing system as in claim 10), characterised in that said device (17) consists of a preferably tubular, element (18) and element (19), apt to be run through by a shoelace (2). 12) Lacing system as in claim 10), characterised in that said device (17) also comprises an element (20) and an element (21), preferably of a circular-crown shape, to anchor the device (17) to the shoe upper. 13) Lacing system as in claim 10), characterised in that on the end of element (18) opposite to the upper (12) of the shoe (1) gripping elements (22) are provided. 14) Lacing system as in claim 10), characterised in that it also provides an element (23), preferably having the shape of a disc equipped with a peripheral groove, firmly fastened to element (21) and in that said element (23) centrally has a through-hole (24), aligned with elements (19 and 18), which allows the entry of shoelace (2) and the passing thereof inside element (19) and then of element (18) with the function of deviating the path of the shoelace (2). 15) Lacing system as in claim 14), characterised in that with said device (23) a ring (25), fastened to the surface of element (21) is also associated, which serves to guide shoelace (2). 16) Lacing system as in claim 10), characterised in that element (18) has at least one toothed groove (26) and a preferably threaded hole (27), which allows the insertion of a screw, of a cam or of a spring piston. 17) Footwear (1), characterised in that it comprises a lacing system as in claim
 1. 